Press Release Archive

Judicial Branch Holiday Closures

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation will be closed Thursday, December 24, 2020; Friday, December 25, 2020; Thursday, December 31, 2020; and Friday, January 1, 2021. Read public service announcement.

Public service announcements

December 11, 2020: The Aneth Judicial District court building will be open for judicial staff to perform essential court functions beginning December 11, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. The doors will remain closed to the public. The Aneth Judicial District Court may be contacted by email at anethcourt@navajo-nsn.gov, by telephone at (435) 651-3545 or by fax at (435) 651-3546. Read public service announcement.

December 9, 2020: The Dilkon Judicial District court building will be open for judicial staff to perform essential court functions beginning December 9, 2020. The doors will remain closed to the public. The Dilkon Judicial District Court may be contacted by email nndkcourt@navajo-nsn.gov or by telephone at (928) 551-2385. Read public service announcement.

December 9, 2020: The Shiprock Judicial District will be providing limited services by telephone and email Wednesday, December 9, 2020. Shiprock District and Family Court staff may be contacted by calling (928) 797-1359 or (928) 797-1355 and by email at nnsrcourt@navajo-nsn.gov. The Peacemaking Program at Shiprock may be contacted by telephone at (928)797-1368 or (928) 797-1317. Shiprock Probation Services may be contacted at (505) 354-1528, (505) 609-8278 or (505) 750-4640.

December 7, 2020: The Navajo Nation Supreme Court is operating from an alternate facility from December 8 through December 10, 2020. The Court will continue to perform essential services. The Supreme Court will not be taking telephone calls during this short period. The Supreme Court can be contacted by email at nnsupremecourt@navajo-nsn.gov. Telephone messages left at the Supreme Court phone number at (928) 871-6763 will not be checked until December 11, 2020. The preferred method of filing is by email to nnsupremecourt@navajo-nsn.gov. Read public service announcement.

December 7, 2020: The Dilkon Judicial District court facility will be closed from December 7, 2020 through December 14, 2020. Essential court functions will continue during the building closure. During the building closure, the Dilkon Judicial District Court may be contacted by telephone at (928) 551-2385 or by email at nndkcourt@navajo-nsn.gov. Read public service annoncement.

December 4,2020: The Navajo Nation Supreme Court is closed Friday, December 4, 2020, and Monday, December 7, 2020.

December 4, 2020: Effective immediately, the Aneth Judicial District facility is closed until further notice. The preferred method of contact to the Aneth Judicial District Court at this time is email to anethcourt@navajo-nsn.gov. The Shiprock Judicial District Court will take telephone messages for the Aneth Judicial District Court at (505) 368-1270. Shiprock Judicial District Court will also be accepting faxes on behalf of Aneth Judicial District at fax number (505) 368-1288. The drop box at the Aneth Judicial District Court is not available until further notice. Read public service announcement.

Judicial Branch closed on Veterans Day

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation will be closed Wednesday, November 11, 2020, in observance of Veterans Day. The Judicial Branch recognizes and honors the service of Judicial Branch employees and the Navajo people who have served in the Armed Forces.

Public service announcements

November 9, 2020: The Chinle Judicial District facility is closed until further notice. All calls to the Court are directed to the Dzil Yijiin Judicial District Court at (928) 725-3781. Read public service announcement.

November 9,2020: The Tuba City Judicial District facility will be closed effective November 9, 2020, until further notice. All calls to the Court are directed to (928) 283-3440. Read public service announcement.

November 5, 2020: The Chinle District Court has resumed operations of essential services at the Chinle District Court facility. The Chinle Judicial District is accessible by telephone, fax, email and postal mail. In-person filing and hearings are not currently available. The Court continues to accept filings by email, fax and by U.S. mail. Read public service announcement.

October 27, 2020: The Chinle Judicial District facility is closed until further notice. All calls to the Court are directed to the Dzil Yijiin Judicial District Court at (928) 725-3781. Faxes may be sent to (928) 725-3786. The Chinle Judicial District continues to accept filings by email and by U.S. mail. Read public service announcement.

October 18, 2020: The Window Rock Judicial District operates and temporarily performs essential services from the former Supreme Court hearing room at the Butler building in Window Rock, Arizona. (located next to Navajo Nation Vital Records, Census office). The Window Rock Judicial District is providing no in-person services at this time. The preferred method of contact is to email the Window Rock Judicial District at nnwrcourt@navajo-nsn.gov. You may leave any telephone messages for the court at (928) 206-7469. See announcement dated October 19, 2020.

Comments wanted on Supreme Court Chief Justice JoAnn Jayne

Chief Justice JoAnn Jayne of the Supreme Court is currently being evaluated regarding her work performance. The rating period is from January 25, 2018 through January 25, 2020. See announcement.

Victor Clyde confirmed as district court judge

The probationary appointment of Victor J. Clyde as a District Court Judge was confirmed by the Navajo Nation Council on October 22, 2020. Read more.

FY20 4th Quarter Report released

The Navajo Nation Judicial Branch has released the Fiscal Year 2020 Fourth Quarterly Report on October 18, 2020. Please see the Branch Reports page to access the report.

Judicial Branch closed Sept. 22, 2020, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation will be closed Wednesday, September 23, 2020, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. to ensure that all branch employees have the opportunity to respond to the 2020 Census. For information on your case, please contact the court where your case is filed. Read public service announcement.

Retired Judge Begaye passes

The Navajo Nation Judicial Branch sends condolences to the family of Marilou B. Begaye, retired Judge of the Navajo Nation. Begaye passed on Thursday, September 24, 2020, in Shiprock, N.M., at the age of 74. She was a judge for nearly 23 years. See press release.

Supreme Court to hold teleconference hearing

The Supreme Court has oral argument in Whitetail-Eagle v. Navajo Nation Ramah Chapter at 10 a.m. on September 18, 2020. Please visit the Supreme Court webpage for call-in information.

Judicial Branch closed Labor Day

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation will be closed Monday, September 7, 2020, in observance of Labor Day. The Branch will resume operations on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. For more information, please contact the respective court or program.

Public service announcement

August 28, 2020: The Shiprock Judicial District Court will resume operations of essential services at the Shiprock District Court facility effective August 27, 2020 at 1 p.m. The Shiprock Judicial District is accessible by telephone, fax, email and postal mail. In-person filing and hearings are not currently available. Read public service announcement.

August 20, 2020: The Shiprock Judicial District Court is temporarily operating out of the Shiprock Probation Office until further notice. The Shiprock Judicial District is accessible by telephone, email and postal mail. available. All calls to the Court are directed to (505) 368-1278. Read public service announcement.

August 11, 2020: Chinle Judicial District has resumed essential services at its court house in Chinle, Arizona. No in-person services are being provided by the Chinle Judicial District as the exterior doors to all Navajo Nation Judicial Branch facilities are locked for the safety of employees and the public. The Chinle Judicial District may be contacted by email, fax, telephone or through U.S. postal mail. A drop box is also located outside the court to drop off documents. Read public service announcement.

August 10, 2020: The Tuba City Judicial District is resuming essential services at its court house in Tuba City, Arizona; effective August 10, 2020. No in-person services are being provided by the Tuba City Judicial District as the exterior doors to all Navajo Nation Judicial Branch facilities are locked for the safety of employees and the public. The Tuba City Judicial District may be contacted by email, fax, telephone or through U.S. postal mail. Read public service announcement.

Judicial Branch closed August 14, 2020

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation will be closed Friday, August 14, 2020, in recognition of Navajo Code Talkers Day. The Branch will resume operations on Monday, August 17, 2020. If you have any questions, please contact the respective court or program.

The Judicial Branch encourages its employees and the public to honor the Navajo Code Talkers on that day by reflecting on their service, teaching about their contributions to the world, and speaking the Navajo language. "The Navajo Code Talkers are the treasures and life of the Navajo People. They embody the importance of our Navajo language, clan, life way, songs and prayers" said Chief Justice JoAnn Jayne.

A proclamation of President of the United States Ronald Reagan designated August 14, 1982 as National Navaho Code Talkers Day dedicated "to all members of the Navaho Nation and to all Native Americans who gave of their special talents and their lives so that others might live." The Navajo Nation declared August 14 of each year Navajo Nation Code Talkers Day beginning in 2006.

Public service announcement

August 5, 2020: Public service announcement update from Window Rock Judicial District.

July 31, 2020: The Tuba City Judicial District facility will be closed until further notice. All calls to the Court are directed to the Kayenta Judicial District Court at (928) 697-5541. Faxes may be sent to the Kayenta Judicial District Court. The Tuba City Judicial District continues to accept filings by email and by U.S. mail. Read public service announcement.

July 29, 2020: The Chinle Judicial District facility will be closed until further notice. All calls to the Court are directed to the Dzil Yijiin Judicial District Court at (928) 725-3781. Read more.

July 28, 2020: The Aneth Judicial District is resuming essential services at its court house in Aneth, Utah, effective July 28, 2020. No in-person services are being provided by the Aneth Judicial District as the exterior doors to all Navajo Nation Judicial Branch facilities are locked for the safety of employees and the public. The Aneth District Court may be contacted by email, fax, telephone or through U.S. mail. Read public service announcement. UPDATE: The Aneth Judicial District Court will be closed from noon to 1 p.m. daily.

Chief Justice delivers quarterly report to Council

July 22, 2020: Chief Justice JoAnn Jayne delivered her quarterly message to the Navajo Nation Council on the first day of the summer session on July 20, 2020. In her message, she outlined the Judicial Branch's response to the public health emergency due to COVID-19. Read more.

FY2020 3rd Quarterly Report released

July 19, 2020: The Fiscal Year 2020 Third Quarterly Report of the Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation has been released and is available under the Branch Reports tab on top of this page.Public Service Announcement

July 13, 2020: The Aneth Judicial District is temporarily closed to the public until further notice. Essential services for Aneth Judicial District will temporarily be handled by Shiprock Judicial District. Read public service announcement.

July 9, 2020: The Window Rock Court building is temporary closed to the public from July 8-10, 2020; however the Court continues to provide services to the public from the former Supreme Court hearing room at the Butler building. Read public service announcement.

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation will be closed Friday, July 3, 2020, in observance of Independence Day. The Branch will resume operations on Monday, July 6, 2020. If you have any questions, please contact the respective court or program.

Public service announcement

July 1, 2020: Memorandum from Dilkon Judicial District updating on limited services.

Peacemaking Statement on Father's Day

June 21, 2020: There is a focus on fatherhood and fatherly duties as we mark this Father's Day. We think of what it means to be a father, from lifting up a child showing the miracle of birth to examining who we want to be in the eyes of our children. Read more.

Navajo Nation awarded $15.7 million in lawsuit

June 16, 2020: The Navajo Nation was awarded $15.7 million for the Department of Interior's breach of contract to the Nation's Judicial Branch. The order from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia was issued on Friday, June 12, 2020. Read more.

Public service announcement

June 15, 2020: Memorandum from Dilkon Judicial District updating on limited services.

June 12, 2020: The Shiprock Judicial District is resuming essential services at its court house in Shiprock, N.M., effective June 15, 2020. Read public service announcement.

June 10, 2020: The Window Rock Judicial District is operating and performing essential services temporarily from the former Supreme Court hearing room at the Butler building in Window Rock, Ariz. Exterior doors to all Navajo Nation Judicial Branch courts and programs are locked for the safety of employees and the public. No in-person services are being provided by the Window Rock Judicial District at this time. See public service announcement.

June 9, 2020: Public service announcement from Dzil Yijiin Judicial District.

June 5, 2020: The primary contact number for Window Rock District Court will be (928) 206- 7469 and the secondary number will be (928) 871-6626 until further notice.

June 3, 2020: In accordance with Navajo Nation Supreme Court Administrative Order 26-2020, the Dzil Yijiin Judicial Court is closed to the public, and will be conducting essential court operations only. All services will be subject to temporary mitigation measures designed to protect our patrons and team members to the greatest extent possible. See PSA.

Peacemaking Program statement on Traditions of Healing

May 31, 2020: The Peacemaking Program has released a statement on "Traditions of Healing."

Public service announcements

May 29, 2020: Public service announcement from Kayenta Judicial Districts on services and contact information during the public health emergency.

May 26, 2020: Dilkon District Court is resuming essential services effective immediately.See press release (updated May 29, 2020) and May 20, 2020 Memorandum updating on Dilkon District Court limited services.

May 19, 2020: The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation, recognizing the ongoing threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, will continue to provide essential services to the public through telecommunication to July 31, 2020. Doors to the public will not be open, but essential services will be provided through electronic and teleconference means out of concern for the safety of the public and our staff. Read press release and administrative order.

May 13, 2020: Crownpoint Judicial District will continue operations on May 12, 2020, under the Judicial Branch Continuity of Operation Plan (COOP) and applicable Administrative Orders. The Crownpoint District Court will be hearing all Priority 1 cases. Read announcement.

Public service announcement

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2020, in recognition of Memorial Day. Essential services will resume on Tuesday, May 26, 2020. The Judicial Branch will also be closed on Monday, June 1, 2020, in recognition of Navajo Nation Memorial Day. Essential services will resume Tuesday, June 2, 2020.

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation will be closed on Friday, May 8, 2020, in recognition of Navajo Nation Police Officers Day. Essential services will resume on Monday, May 11, 2020. Navajo Nation Police Officers Day is observed the second Friday of May to recognize Navajo Nation Police Officers and pay tribute to fallen officers. The Officer Down Memorial Page lists the following 15 Navajo Division of Public Safety fallen police officers:

• Houston James Largo (2017)

• LeAnder Frank (2016)

• Alex K. Yazzie (2015)

• Ernest Jesus Montoya, Sr. (2014)

• Darrell Cervandez Curley (2011)

• Winsonfred A. Filfred (1999)

• Esther Todecheene (1998)

• Samuel Anthony Redhouse (1997)

• Hoskie Allen Gene (1996)

• Andy Begay (1987)

• Roy Lee Stanley (1987)

• Loren Whitehat (1979)

• Burton Begay (1975)

• Gordon C. James (1960)

• Hoska Thompson (1949)

Peacemaking Program statement on Mother's Day

May 9, 2020: The Peacemaking Program has released this statement. in honor of Mother's Day.

Public service announcement

May 7, 2020: Information on Applications for Protection Orders is available here. Updated August 5, 2020.

May 1, 2020: Effective immediately, Dilkon Judicial District is closed to the public until further notice and services will be handled by Window Rock Judicial District. Read more.

April 29, 2020: Crownpoint District Court and Pueblo Pintado Circuit Court are closed to the public until further notice. Court filings for Crownpoint or Pueblo Pintado Court cases may be made at Ramah District Court at this time. All cases deemed "essential services," and only those cases, for Crownpoint and Pueblo Pintado Courts will be handled by Ramah District Court until further notice. If you have questions please contact Ramah District Court at (505) 775-3218. Read for more information.

April 20, 2020: Probation and Parole Services offices at Chinle, Dzil Yijiin, Kayenta and Tuba City may be reached at (928) 421-3475 until further notice. Messages for the probation offices may be left with this number.

April 20, 2020: All Judicial Branch facilities remain closed to the public to May 29, 2020. However, the Judicial Branch courts and programs must still provide essential services through electronic and teleconference means. Read press release.

Judicial Branch Holiday Closure

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation is closed on April 27, 2020,from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Essential services will resume on Tuesday, April 28, 2020.

Judicial Branch FY20 2nd Quarterly Report released

April 20, 2020 - The Navajo Nation Judicial Branch Fiscal Year 2020 Second Quarterly Report has been released and is available on the Branch Reports page of this website.

Public service announcement

April 16, 2020: Memorandum updating on limited services for Dilkon District Court

April 9, 2020: Due to the current COVID-19 (Coronavirus) public health emergency, the Shiprock District Court building is temporarily closed to the public, however the Shiprock District and Family Courts continue to operate on a limited basis. The Shiprock Courts shall remain accessible to the public by telephone, e-mail, postal mail, and fax to the Aneth District Court on a temporary basis. Read memorandum.

April 6, 2020: Essential services that the Kayenta Judicial District has jurisdiction over will be conducted at the Tuba City Judicial District beginning April 6, 2020 to April 19, 2020. If you have any questions, please contact the Tuba City Judicial District Court by calling (928) 283-3140. Read press release. Also see: Notice from Kayenta Court on limited services.

Friday, April 10, 2020, is a holiday for the Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation. All courts, programs and offices will be closed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Essential services will resume on Monday, April 13, 2020.

April 3, 2020: Window Rock Court is still hearing the following essential cases:

Children's cases: shelter care hearings, preliminary hearings, adjudicatory hearings, dispositional hearings, and review hearings (if they are within six months).
Criminal cases: bench warrant hearings, bail denial hearings, habeas corpus relief, motions for release, criminal trials, and sentencing hearings. Arraignments and pretrial conferences are continued until September 2020 or later.
Civil cases: Involuntary commitments; repossession hearings if statutory timelines demand it.
Domestic violence cases: Statutory timelines require the first hearing to be done within 15 days.

April 3, 2020: Pueblo Pintado Circuit Court is closed until further notice. Essential services for Pueblo Pintado Circuit Court will be available at Crownpoint District Court. Please call (505) 786-2072 if you have any questions. Also as a reminder, the entrance doors at Crownpoint District Court are closed to the public but essential services are available. Please call the Crownpoint Court at (505) 786-2072 if you have any questions.

April 2, 2020: Notice from Dilkon Court on limited services.

March 27, 2020: ANNOUNCEMENT FROM SHIPROCK DISTRICT COURT: Shiprock Judicial District Court is asking for people who need to use the court's services please call (505) 368-1278 for information. Only one court clerk is available at this time to assist so the court is asking for patience. The court clerk may have to take a phone message and return the call with further information. The court can also be emailed at nnsrcourt@navajo-nsn.gov. NOTE: Fax is currently not available for Shiprock Court until further notice.

March 25, 2020: Please visit the Supreme Court webpage for more information on filing with the Supreme Court from March 25 to May 1, 2020.

March 20, 2020: An administrative order authorizing all Navajo Nation Judicial Branch employees to either work from home or to be placed on administrative leave and on-call for essential services was issued today by Chief Justice JoAnn B. Jayne. The order goes into effect Friday, March 20, 2020, and ends Friday, May 1, 2020, at 5 p.m. Read announcement.

March 18, 2020 - The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation will be closed to the public beginning Thursday, March 19, 2020, through Tuesday, March 24, 2020. The Branch will then re-open on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, with limited services. Read announcement.

Judicial Branch allowing certain employees to work from home or take administrative leave

March 17, 2020 - Chief Justice JoAnn Jayne issued an administrative order today allowing certain Judicial Branch employees to telecommute, or work from home, and for others to take administrative leave if they cannot work from home. The administrative order covers employees who have no childcare options in light of the closure of child care centers and schools on and near the Navajo Nation. It also covers employees who are 60 years and older and those who have compromised immune systems. Read press release.

Navajo Nation Judicial Branch to remain open

March 13, 2020 - The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation remains open during the national emergency over the covid-19 until further notice. A national state of emergency was declared today by President Donald Trump. A public health state of emergency was declared by the Navajo Nation on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. "The Navajo Nation Judicial Branch will strive to remain open, and to provide justice services and other mission critical functions," Chief Justice Jayne said. Read press release.

Chief Justice issues travel advisory for Judicial Branch

March 11, 2020 - A travel advisory was issued today by Chief Justice JoAnn Jayne for all Judicial Branch employees. All Judicial Branch employees are advised to limit travel on and off the Navajo Nation to essential travel due to concerns with the spread of covid-19. Read more

Navajo Nation Justice Days cancelled

Justice Day events for the Navajo Nation judicial districts have been cancelled for the year 2020. These events are typically scheduled in the months of April and May by the Navajo Nation courts and celebrate the creation of the Navajo court system. Rather than promoting large public gatherings at this time, Chief Justice Jayne said, the branch will educate the public on the Navajo court system through the Judicial Branch website, social media and other forms of mass media. Read more.

Navajo leaders sign proclamation encouraging public participation in the 2020 Census

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, 24th Navajo Nation Council Speaker Seth Damon, and Navajo Nation Chief Justice JoAnn B. Jayne signed a proclamation encouraging the Navajo people to participate in the 2020 Census to ensure a complete count of all citizens on the Navajo Nation. Read press release and Proclamation.

Judicial Branch seeking nominee to the Government Development Commission

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation is seeking applicants for nomination of membership on the Commission on Navajo Government Development. Pursuant to 2 N.N.C. §972(A)(2), one member of the Commission "shall be nominated by the Judicial Branch through the Chief Justice of the Navajo Nation to serve a term of two years from the date of confirmation by the Navajo Nation Council; the nominee shall be a licensed attorney and a member of the Navajo Nation Bar Association." All interested individuals should submit a letter of interest and resume to Office of Human Resources, P.O. Box 520, Window Rock, AZ, 86515, by February 28, 2020. Nominations to the Commission are subject to confirmation by the Navajo Nation Council. Read press release.

Associate Justice confirmed

The Navajo Nation Council unanimously confirmed the Honorable Tina Tsinigine as probationary Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Navajo Nation on Tuesday, January 28, 2020. Chief Justice JoAnn Jayne administered the oath of office to the new justice following the confirmation vote. Read more.

FY 2020 First Quarterly Report released

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation report for the First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2020 is available on the "Branch Reports" page of this website.

Three Navajo Nation judges confirmed

The Navajo Nation Council confirmed three probationary district court judges on Thursday, December 19, 2019. Neomi Gilmore, Letitia Stover and Malcolm Laughing each took the oath of office administered by Chief Justice JoAnn Jayne immediately following the respective votes on the confirmation. Read press release.

CLOSURE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Crownpoint and Pueblo Pintado Court closure

Crownpoint Judicial District Court will be closed Tuesday, March 3, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pueblo Pintado Circuit Court will be closed Tuesday, March 3, 2020, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff from both courts will be participating in mandatory staff training.

Judicial Branch closure

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation is closed Monday, February 17, 2020. Any questions, please contact the appropriate court or office.

Chinle Court closure

Chinle Judicial District Court is closed February 14, 2020, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Shiprock Judicial District Court closure

The Shiprock Judicial District Court is closed January 30, 2020.

Judicial Branch Closure

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation is closed Monday, January 20, 2020, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Judicial Branch will resume regular operating hours on Tuesday, January 21, 2020.

2018-2019 Press Releases and Announcements